I have to admit, it wasn’t the first sign I expected to spot when I discovered one of Toronto’s hidden gems, a lively pub called 3 Brewers. These guys have a unique model, which started out in Lille, France in 1986, where every pub has its own microbrewery. Although an international brand, the Adelaide referred to here is actually 5 miles down the road in Toronto.
They have 53 such pubs around the world including Brazil & Tahiti! I’ll be looking out for the local ones in France on my return to Europe. This particular bar has recently hired Stacey, who quickly serves me their 7 in-house brewed ales to taste – she has a keen understanding of beer, is immensely a fun gal, and wants to go to beer school as a mature student to become a ciccerone (a beer sommelier).
The first beer I sample is the IPA – unfiltered, it’s a robust 6% marmalade hoppy concoction that sets a standard to be beaten. But I’m more interested in their neighbourhood beer – every one of their branches has its own unique offering – this one is called Blonde Saison… I’m sitting with Jason from Melbourne who says it reminds him of Duval. It has a hint of aniseed, but explodes with lingering after flavours.
We next move on to the monthly speciality – the multigrain ale made with 6 different breakfast grains, also 6%. Jason is searching for the right note, probably a chord of the black keys played piano (Pink Panther theme)… if beer could be described by Bob Dylan albums, Jason says this is Self Portrait (the beer talking).
Number three is the “white”, a girly sweet number, fragrant and floral Hoegarten style – I like it! Stacey is similar in many respects, “she says that cougars are a protected species in Canada, so you’re not allowed to take photos.”. We let her out of her cage.
Blonde is numero quattro – a summer ale that most identifies with typical Australian beers. I need to introduce Jason to Bladdamasta on his return as his Danish beer interests will certainly intrigue (Copenhagen brew masters started the Asian market in Vietnam in 18th century). I wonder which fool brought Coopers to Australia.
Beer 5 is toasted, peaty smoke – an Amber ale of note! Almost a Laguvulan, whatever beer barrel this matured in would surely make a splendid receptacle for Toronto’s first scotch. And lastly, the uninterestingly named Brown ale – expectation was something different, but it wasn’t. However, despite the soft cock feel, it has potential, like O’Bama – so much promise, but massively mixed up. Jason and I bid Stacey a farewell from the maturation room, off in search of pub number two
back of the ferry 